France's political turmoil intensified as Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned abruptly on Monday, merely hours after unveiling his cabinet lineup. The shock decision leaves President Emmanuel Macron scrambling to stabilize a government facing its fifth leadership change in two years.
The Elysee Palace confirmed Lecornu's resignation in a terse statement, marking a dramatic reversal for the Macron loyalist who had spent weeks negotiating with political factions. His cabinet selections – criticized as both too conservative and insufficiently reformist – failed to bridge France's polarized legislature following Macron's 2022 re-election and subsequent parliamentary deadlock.
Analysts suggest the resignation underscores the challenges of governing without a parliamentary majority. Far-right National Rally leader Jordan Bardella immediately demanded fresh elections, declaring: "There can be no stability without dissolving the National Assembly."
The crisis highlights France's deepening political fragmentation, exacerbated by last year's snap elections. Observers warn the instability could impact EU policymaking and foreign investor confidence in Europe's second-largest economy.
